TUSCOLA — Ten years ago, the Jim Ned football team was known more for its finesse than physicality. It was a basketball school or so went the prevailing wisdom of the time. And from 2005 through 2014, the Indians’ record reflected that, winning more than six games only once in that span with three seasons ending in 1-9 finishes and just two playoff berths.

Things began to change, however, with the arrival of coaches Jerod Womack in 2015 and Matt Fanning in 2018. The Indians were becoming known for outstanding, physical offensive line play, gradually building it into a tradition.

That tradition continues under second-year coach Johnathon McClure and heading into the 2025 campaign, the Indians’ offensive line is once again a key element of team leadership.